Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson recently shared his thoughts on potentially rejoining the band for their farewell tour. He expressed his willingness to participate if invited by Dave Mustaine. His comments were made during an interview with UnDinamo, La Última Radio De Rock.
Ellefson addressed whether he would be open to playing with Megadeth on their farewell tour if Dave Mustaine extended an invitation.
“I have always said that I am available for that. And I would do it because I think any reason that I’m not there now is unfounded. It’s untruthful and it’s unfair because clearly there’s nothing wrong. So, I would hope and even pray to [God] that any misunderstanding, any bitterness would be removed, that that would somehow be dissipated,” Ellefson said.
The bassist also reflected on the relationship between artists and their fanbase. He emphasized the importance of listening to supporters.
“It’s funny — you make your first record, you have no fans. You just make your first album. Then you start to get fans who [say], ‘Hey, give us more.’ So you make album two, like we do. And then at that point, you — I feel — have an obligation to listen to your fans. You don’t have to do everything they say, like, ‘Make ‘Rust In Peace Part II’,’ ’cause creatively the spirit leads you where it’s supposed to go,” he continued.
Ellefson further explained his philosophy on fan engagement and the music business.
“But I think, especially when you’re playing concerts — making albums is music business; playing concerts is show business. They’re two separate things that kind of come together. When the fans, who have made all of this possible, really, ’cause Capitol Records wouldn’t have signed us if we didn’t have fans. Live Nation doesn’t book the concert if there’s no fans. So, the fans are the entire reason that you live to have album two and beyond. Album two and beyond is because of fans. So, to me, you give them what they want. Even my little tour here [of South America], ‘Basstory’. It’s me telling a story of my life, but if there’s nobody to come and hear the story, I’m just sitting on a stool by myself. [Laughs]”
He concluded by expressing hope that fan voices would influence any potential reunion decisions.
“So for me, yes. Marty — I can’t speak for anyone else, but Marty coming back to play a couple of shows [with Megadeth in 2023] showed his willingness, which I think was great. I would wish that Dave [Mustaine, Megadeth leader]… Look, if it were just me and Dave sitting here, I’m sure everything would be fine, but there’s a lot of people with influences, and that can be sticky. So my hope is that the voice of the fans gets louder than any other voice that would tear it apart,” Ellefson said.
Ellefson’s comments come at a significant time for Megadeth. The band prepares for what they’ve announced as their final chapter.
Vice reported that Megadeth’s farewell tour is set to kick off in 2026 and could potentially last three to five years. The extensive farewell run follows the release of their final self-titled album on January 23. This marks the end of an era for the thrash metal legends.
The band has already begun announcing dates for their global farewell tour. Louder Sound noted that Megadeth’s farewell plans include a 12-date tour of Canada with fellow thrash metal titans Anthrax and Exodus. The Canadian leg will begin on February 15 in Victoria, British Columbia. It will conclude on March 6 in Quebec City.
The farewell tour has expanded beyond North America. Nuclear Blast confirmed that European dates have been revealed for the 2026 farewell tour. The European leg includes stops in Spain, with shows scheduled for Valencia’s Roig Arena on May 25, A Coruna’s Coliseum on May 27, and Bilbao’s Bizkaia Arena on May 29.
Ellefson’s openness to rejoin the band mirrors the recent precedent set by former guitarist Marty Friedman. Friedman returned for select shows in 2023. This development suggests that despite past tensions, some former members remain willing to participate in the band’s final chapter. This potentially gives fans the reunion they’ve long hoped for.
